Dogs toilet training is essentially the same as puppy toilet training with few minor differences.
One of the most important is the fact that older dogs will be able to hold urine for up to 8 hours while puppies need to eliminate 15 -20 minutes after the last meal.
Because of the fact that older dogs are more reliable when it comes to control their bladder and colon you can let them outside more regularly than puppies.
It's useful to decide for specific times during the day when you allow your dog to eliminate.
1.
How Different Is Toilet Training Older Dogs? While working with mature dogs that have been adopted one needs to remember that they might feel uncomfortable in the new environment.
In this case dogs toilet training might take a little longer as the dog has already developed some bad habits that you'll have to get rid of first.
What is more, new food and drinks, new people and new surroundings will get him stressed and he might end up making a mess indoors.
It is crucial not to punish your dog as this will only make things worse.
Screaming at him will only make him confused.
Dogs are not able to connect mentally the wet carpet with the fact of eliminating on it few minutes ago.
So be patient and consistent with the dogs toilet training and you'll get the best results.
2.
Provide Your Pet With His Own Leaving Area.
It is usually recommended to create a 'den' where your dog can eat, drink and sleep safely and comfortably.
This can either be crate or a small part of the room you sleep in.
Put something that is familiar to the dog inside (for example one of your old t-shirts) and try to organize a sleeping area out of it.
Plenty of toys would also help as we're trying to make the dog busy while your away.
This is a very important part of dogs toilet training.
Dogs are naturally clean animals and they will not soil their own sleeping areas if not forced to by circumstances.
Check on your dog from time to time and comfort him if he's whining.
Also, make sure he's not walking in circles or sniffing around as this means that the elimination time has come and he needs to get outside.
With the flow of time broaden your pet's den or move the crate to another rooms so that he can get familiar with the rest of the house.
Hopefully, your dog will remember that he's not allowed to eliminate in the house and will try to signal his physiological needs.
3.
Take Your Dog On A Short Walk.
What can also help in dogs toilet training are regular walks because movement and exercises help in speeding up the metabolism and elimination processes.
As a result you will be less likely to encounter messy spots on your carpet when you get back home.
If your dog has a favorite area in the yard where he eliminates, try to clean it regularly because if it gets too messy he will look for other places to urinate or defecate and might end up doing this inside your house.
4.
Don't Punish Your Pet.
Also, while doing dogs toilet training don't hit or scream at the dog when you find out that he has eliminated indoors.
Simply clean the spot and start paying more attention to your dog's behavior as it's your duty to let him outside when he needs it.